A Higley USD Governing Board member took the unusual step of leaving her seat on the dais to address the board as a member of the public, voicing criticism over what she called improper electioneering.

Speaking during the public comment period last week, Board Member Anna Van Hoek was critical of students being asked to distribute materials related to the district’s 15% maintenance and operations budget override measure during the district’s curriculum night. She argued that the practice not only violated state law but also placed students in an inappropriate position.

“As a taxpayer in this district, I am extremely disappointed to see that our district has once again used students to electioneer on school grounds,” Van Hoek said. “During curriculum night, students were instructed to han

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